The price "guesstimate" at this time is in the $7000.00 range, maybe more, maybe less.

Less would be good. 7000 still puts in in Losmandy Titan territory if not AP900 territory (like the "less than 8500" that was bein' talked about earlier did).

Yes, folks expect a lot in that price class, and there are excellent options already available. The numbers don't seem that impressive - 5 arcseconds PEC and 65 pounds sounds more like CGE numbers (at $3000) than those from a $7000 mount. An NJP can beat that WITHOUT PEC, and so can the other "competitors" being discussed, many of whom also handle larger imaging loads. The CGE Pro seems much more impressive and it's only $5000.

The most pronounced difference is that the Supreme is NOT served A'La Carte' as is done with the AP900. You get everything except the OTA. Once one figures in the cost of the "necessary options" with the 900 then this really starts to become a very good deal.

I don't think I would call it a good deal honestly. The 900 carries 25 lbs more payload and it's rating is for imaging. The NJP will easily do 65 lbs and mine when I had it showed a PE as John said of less than 4 arc seconds BEFORE guding. Than we have the CGE pro. 25 lbs more payload, My out of the box PE 2 nights ago was +8 ish minus 7ish with one of the smoothest curves I have ever seen. I'll post the screen capture later today. They need to bring it in around $5K or it won't go very far. It is nice looking but looks only get ya so far

The most pronounced difference is that the Supreme is NOT served A'La Carte' as is done with the AP900. You get everything except the OTA. Once one figures in the cost of the "necessary options" with the 900 then this really starts to become a very good deal.

Steve

The only extra needed for the AP is a pier, a few weights and a saddle. I think iOptron needs this to come in under $5000 to try and sell a volume of these. If not, there are too many other options available. Now, if they do that, get some proven field performance and provide the same QC/QA as AP/Tak/MI (I can't recall the last time I heard "my new AP/Tak/MI is DOA")then maybe they can elevate the price. But until then, I seriously think they will have trouble selling these at $7,000.
My two cents and worth every penny.

I am interested to see the prelims on this mount as I will be in the market for either a used NJP or equivalent since I already own two smaller Tak mounts. I just find them to be a joy to use but if the Supreme can do what it does and more, then maybe it is a consideration. Price point will need to be in this range for me as Bobby noted or I would otherwise consider an EM400.

Can anyone tell me what is the scoop with the polar alignment scope and system? Is it like one of the Tak mount PAS and alignment systems? That would be a make or break for me as well.

The most pronounced difference is that the Supreme is NOT served A'La Carte' as is done with the AP900. You get everything except the OTA. Once one figures in the cost of the "necessary options" with the 900 then this really starts to become a very good deal.

As I said, this thing comes with everything but the OTA. Nothing extra is needed. MAYBE the GPS module, but, I'm not certain about that so don't hold my feet to the fire on that one.

Having never had the means to afford one of those other mounts I can only go by what I've been told by my friends who do have them. I am convinced that iOptron has done their research and knows what they are doing. Of course, the proof of the pudding will be when we get one in our hands to test and use. I am looking forward to it. It will be extremely interesting to put it alongside one of my friends' AP mounts and see what happens. Personally, I expect to give them a big surprise and a serious run for the money. I could always be wrong, but, I have faith in what I have seen.

As for the pricing, I'm Scottish by blood so a lower price would always get my interest. LOL

Until we get some positive word from iOptron, almost everything is speculative. We can hope and dream about what will be in the final offering, though. Until then, I suggest that we just wait and see what happens.

iOptron has been successful because they offer innovative products at a great price. If they want to continue that success with the Supreme mount, they will need to set a new price-point for the high-end. IMO, $5,000 or less would get the attention of the market...

I saw that mount on NEAF 2009 too. Nicely built but if the price tag is aroundUS $ 7,000.00 then I think it weill not sell. The Losmandy Titan goes for US $ 5.995.00 including the Gemini GoTo system + tripod it would go fot US $ 7,300.00, so you can make the math by yourself ...

Another thing is that my questions about their GoTO system were not answered very accurately so there is another unknown variable in there ...

The mount as I saw it is not worth more then US $ 3,500.00 for me. A G11 does the same as this IOptron GEM ... for half the money ... ( US $ 7,000.00 )

Nor would I, though I was another who saw it at NEAF and thought it looked beautiful. As others have said, though, the proof is in the pudding - but if it does cost $7,000 I think I would spend an extra $995 and get an IPI 262. Iott's package also includes a polar scope and a pier. The head alone can be had for $6995. There was a thread about a 262 in the mounts forum, but for some reason I can't find it. However, the owner was very impressed by the performance. The 262 will carry 100lbs. It, or the Titan or CGE pro, seem better value if that is the price.

... - but if it does cost $7,000 I think I would spend an extra $995 and get an IPI 262. Iott's package also includes a polar scope and a pier. The head alone can be had for $6995. There was a thread about a 262 in the mounts forum, but for some reason I can't find it. However, the owner was very impressed by the performance. The 262 will carry 100lbs.

Hi,

May I ask for the URL for info on the IPI 262 ?

Do you know if one can install the Gemini GoTO system on it including the Losmandy servo motors eg. get the mount with NO drive system ?

Ok, the name's not important if the mount can perform - but it's got proven competition at the same price tier, so I really think it's gonna have a hard time. Good luck to them, though. Having more options is better for the consumer.